Here is a squad denuded by the tragic suicide of goalkeeper Robert Enke, wrongly denied the injured absence of their captain Michael Ballack yet they are a brilliant unit, attacking as a team, defending as a team.

In Schweinsteiger they have one of the players of the World Cup. And what about Podolski and Klose? The latter has scored more goals in this World Cup than he did in the entire season for Bayern Munich!

But how can I back against my pre-tournament tip Spain?

I remain convinced that the European Champions are the best side here but Del Bosque was right to say that they weren’t as comfortable in possession against Paraguay as they had been in previous games.

I’m more confident of the outcome tonight here in Cape Town. Uruguay have already overachieved and are burdened by injury and suspension.

And what of Holland? They have been good, very good and Sneijder is magnificent.

Just think: he could win the league, the cup, the Champions League and the World Cup all in one season!

I’m going for a final of Holland against Spain.

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